US3675179A - Variable zig-zag resistor with tabs - Google Patents

Variable zig-zag resistor with tabs Download PDF

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Publication number
US3675179A
US3675179A US95146A US3675179DA US3675179A US 3675179 A US3675179 A US 3675179A US 95146 A US95146 A US 95146A US 3675179D A US3675179D A US 3675179DA US 3675179 A US3675179 A US 3675179A
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United States
Prior art keywords
resistance
zig
zag
tap
resistance strips
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Expired - Lifetime
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US95146A
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English (en)
Inventor
Masaaki Tsukamoto
Tatsuo Fujii
Shigeo Ono
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Nikon Corp
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Nippon Kogaku KK
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Assigned to NIKON CORPORATION, 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN reassignment NIKON CORPORATION, 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). EFFECTIVE APR. 1, 1988 Assignors: NIPPON KOGAKU, K.K.
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C10/00—Adjustable resistors
    • H01C10/46—Arrangements of fixed resistors with intervening connectors, e.g. taps

Definitions

  • a variable resistor of this invention includes tap electrodes, a sliding brush, zig-zag resistor having resistor films, and if necessary a wedge-shaped resistance layer connected series to the zig-zag resistor.
  • the tap electrodes are spaced apart from each other and located in the path of the sliding brush, and the tap films of the tap electrodes are formed outside of said path.
  • the resistor films of the zig-zag resistor are overlaid on the tap films. And 'the width of the tap films is made smaller than that of the resistor films but is made equal to the pattern spacing of the resistor films.
  • FIG. 1 is a developed view of the prior art variable resistor
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of a variable resistor in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view thereof on enlarged scale.
  • FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating the abnormal condition.
  • the present invention relates to a variable resistor and more specifically to the configurations of the resistance and electrode layers of a variable resistor of the type comprising a thin resistor film formed by deposition in vacuum, sputtering, etching, electro-forming or the like, a plurality of tap electrodes formed upon said resistance layers by the same process and a sliding brush for movement over said tap electrodes.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the prior art variable resistor disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 4987, filed on Jan. 22, 1970, now U.S. Pat No. 3594686, and West Germany application Ser. No. P 04 335.0, filed on Jan. 30, 1970 having the resistance film and electrodes both of which are formed by deposition in vacuum or sputtering through a mask.
  • the resistance of this variable resistor varies in a continuous function manner.
  • Tap electrodes 3,3 and 3" are formed at right angles relative to the path K of a wiper arm.
  • a wedge-shaped resistance layer 1 width said tap film is made smaller than that of said resistance film, but is made equal to the spacing between said resistance films.
  • a wedge-shaped resistance layer is connected in series to said zig-zag resistor and tap electrodes which have tap films overlaid upon said wedge-shaped resistance layer are juxtaposed with respectto said tap electrodes for said zig-zag resistor DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 2, a brush makes contact with tap electrodes 7 and 7' of a conductive material ensuring a better electrical contact with the brush J and strong wear resistance.
  • a step resistance section P comprises strip-shaped resistance layers 2 'which are formed outside of the path K and each of which is extended from each of the tap electrodes.
  • a zig-zag resistance section Q comprises strip-shaped resistance layers 2' each pairs of which are extended from each of the tap electrodes 3.
  • the strip-shaped resistance layers 2 and 2 in the step resistance section P and zig-zag resistance section Q', respectively, are interconnected with each other by connection taps 4 and 4.
  • the tap electrodes 3 in the step resistance section P must have their lengths varied in accordance with the function while the connection taps 4 must have their positions varied in accordance with the function.
  • both of the taps 3' and 4 and the resistance layers 2 must be accurately formed. Since two resistance layers are formed for each tap in the zig-zag section Q, if the resistance layers and taps are not accurately formed, a'desired accuracy is not obtained. In the worst case, the resistance layers are not electrically connected to the taps, thus causing the disconnection in the resistor pattern.
  • One of the objects of the present invention is to provide such a pattern that the range of a resistance value obtained from one resistance layer may be increased within a limited space at a right angle relative to the path of the wiper arm.
  • Another object of the present invention is to minimize the error in registration of an insulating base with a mask for fonning tap electrodes and the relative resistance errorcaused by the distortion of the pattern which in turn is caused by the thermal expansion of the base, mask and jigs.
  • a still another object of the present invention is to make smaller the spacing between the masking holes which greatly influence the accuracy. 4
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a function type resistor with a higher degree of accuracy which may be manufactured in a simple manner at less cost with a least number of rejections and in which even though the resistor is of a tap type the width of the path of the wiper arm may be made small and the stable contact may be ensured for a long time.
  • the present invention provides a variable resistor in which tap electrodes for contact with a brush are spaced apart juxtaposed at equal spaces.
  • a wedge-shaped resistance layer 5 has a relatively high surface resistivity and has its width 81 changed as with the prior art resistor so as to provide a resistor whose value changes in accordance with a function.
  • the tap electrodes 7 and the wedge-shaped resistance layer 5 constitute the wedge-shaped resistance section P.
  • a zig-zag pattern resistor 6 is deposited in vacuum simultaneously with the wedge-shaped resistance layer 5 in contiguous therewith and one branch of the zig-zag resistor 6 is provided for each tap electrode 7'.
  • the tap electrodes 7' and the zig-zag resistor 6 constitute the zig-zag resistance section Q.
  • the zig-zag resistor 6 is partially overlaid upon the tap electrodes 7 outside the path K of the brush J and as shown in FIG. 3 the width W of the tap portion B of the electrode 7 is made smaller than that W of the branch A of the zigzag resistor 6 while the spacing C between the branches A is made equal to the width W of the tap portion B.
  • An electrically insulating plate 8 upon which are deposited the above resistance layers is provided with a notch 8a which is located substantially at the center of the zig-zag resistance section Q and into which is fitted a pin 9 in the deposition process in order to eliminate the error in overlaying the zigzag resistor 6 over the tap electrodes 7.
  • the notch 8a is a reference point for determining the positions of the wedge-shaped resistance layer 5 and the zigzag resistor 6 with respect to the tap electrodes 7 and 7 respectively.
  • the brush J slides along the path K and the contacts J1 J5 of the brush .I are slantly arranged as shown in FIG. 2 so that contacts may make contact two or more than two taps.
  • Reference character N designates a terminal electrode.
  • the wedge-shaped resistance layer 5 When a re- I sistor whose value is increased in a logarithmic manner is desired, the wedge-shaped resistance layer 5 must have its value increased gradually from terminal N in the circumferential direction. For this purpose, as the length of the wedge-shaped resistance layer 5 is increased, its width S1 is made smaller. However, from the standpoint of manufacture, the smallest width is limited. Since the resistance is in proportion to the length and in inverse proportion to the width, the zig-zag resistor in Q has a zig-zag pattern with the constant width S (See FIG. 3) so that within a limited space a resistance higher than that in the wedge-shaped resistance section P may be obtained. As shown in FIG.
  • the tap electrode is made contact with the adjacent resistor branch because the from each other in the path of a brush or wiper arm; the tap spacing C between the branches A is made equal to the width W of the tap portion B.
  • the short-circuit or disconnection caused by the fact that the error is exactly one-half of the pitch D as shown at F in FIG. 4 is statistically very less. Thus a number of rejections due to the error may be greatly reduced.
  • a reference pin 11 is fitted into a notch 10a of the base 10 in case of deposition.
  • the resistance layer 2, the tape electrodes 3, 3' and 3" and the connection taps 4 and 4 are deposited separately so that the errors in overlying or registration these films are inevitably produced. In consequence, the abnormal resistance is produced because of the nonuniform fiow of the current through the mis-aligned films or layers. Especially the low resistance portion is greatly affected. (The error becomes in excess of tolerance).
  • the zig-zag pattern resistance layer Q is formed as shown in FIG. 2 so that the connection taps 4 and 4' may be eliminated while only tap electrodes 7 and 7' are overlaid upon the resistance layers.
  • the disconnection between the wedge-shaped resistance layer and the zigzag pattern resistance layer due to the error in overlaying will not occur.
  • the abnormal resistance may be minimized. Since the patterns of the resistance layers are simple, the manufacture is simplified and the function type resistor having a stability over a wide range of resistance may be provided.
  • the value of the resistance which varies in accordance with a function will not be adversely affected even when the relative position of the tap electrode pattern with respect to the zig-zag resistance layer pattern is deviated about or in excess of one-half of the pitch.
  • the resistance layers may be advantageously formed only by on deposition within a limited space and their relative errors are small while they have a wide range of resistance.
  • the patterns for forming the tap electrodes and zig-zag resistance layer are simplified so that the masks may be used for many times and the tolerance in registration may be improved. Therefore, the tap electrodes and the zig-zag resistor may be obtained with a higher degree of accuracy and a less cost.
  • the pitch of the tap electrode may be made smaller while the spacing between the taps may be also reduced so that the resistance may be continuously varied and detected with higher degree of accuracy.
  • the width of the path of the brush or wiper arm may be made smaller and the stable contact may be ensured.
  • a variable resistor comprising an insulating plate
  • said movable brush being arranged to traverse and engage said tap electrodes along a path, and each of said tap electrodes having at its one end a portion extending outside of said path;
  • the zig-zag resistance layer consisting of a plurality of first resistance strips formed side by side to each other and in parallel with saidtap electrodes, the number of said first resistance strips being twice the number of said tap electrodes,
  • said extending portions of said tap electrodes overlaying the second resistance strips which are arranged at the side adjacent the tap electrodes, respectively, each space between neighboring first resistance strips, of
  • variable resistor according to claim 1, wherein said first resistance strips are progressively increased in length from one end to the other.
  • variable resistor according to claim 1, wherein said first resistance strips are equal in width.
  • a variable resistor according to claim 1, further comprising a wedge-shaped resistance layer connected in series to said zig-zag resistance layer; and a plurality of second conductive tap electrodes juxtaposed at the same spacing as said tap electrodes for said zig-zag resistance layer,
  • each of said second tap electrodes having a portion superposed on said wedge-shaped resistance layer.
  • variable resistor according to claim 1 wherein said path is arcuately shaped.
  • a plurality of tap electrodes formed side by side in spaced relationship on an insulating plate, each of said tap electrodes having an extending portion, a zig-zag resistance layer formed on said plate adjacent said extending portions, said zig-zag resistance layer comprising a plurality of first resistance strips formed in side-by-side relationship and in substantially parallel relationship with respect to said extending portions, the number of first resistance strips being twice the number of said extending portions, a plurality of second resistance strips alternately connecting upper and lower ends of neighboring first resistance strips so that said first and second resistance strips form a zig-zag pattern, said extending portions of said electrodes overlaying the second resistance strips which are arranged at the side adjacent the tap electrodes respectively, the length of each of said second resistance strips in the progressive direction of the zigzag pattern being greater than the Width of each of said extending portions.
  • each space between neighboring first resistance strips is equal to the width of each of said extending portions.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Adjustable Resistors (AREA)
  • Apparatuses And Processes For Manufacturing Resistors (AREA)
  • Details Of Resistors (AREA)
US95146A 1969-12-15 1970-12-04 Variable zig-zag resistor with tabs Expired - Lifetime US3675179A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP44100115A JPS4919899B1 (da) 1969-12-15 1969-12-15

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US3675179A true US3675179A (en) 1972-07-04

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US (1) US3675179A (da)
JP (1) JPS4919899B1 (da)
DE (1) DE2061788A1 (da)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3921118A (en) * 1973-10-01 1975-11-18 Gen Electric Variable resistor assembly
US4537759A (en) * 1981-08-24 1985-08-27 Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. Production of elemental silicon from impure silane feed
EP0354448A2 (en) * 1988-08-11 1990-02-14 Brooktree Corporation Analog-to-digital converter
US20030024747A1 (en) * 2001-07-31 2003-02-06 Takayuki Enomoto Weight sensor device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2354808A (en) * 1942-09-23 1944-08-01 Ward Leonard Electric Co Rheostat
US2693023A (en) * 1950-06-20 1954-11-02 Painton & Co Ltd Electrical resistor and a method of making the same
US3111639A (en) * 1960-09-27 1963-11-19 Zeiss Ikon Ag Non-linear control potentiometer provided with a semi-conductive resistance layer
US3431640A (en) * 1966-03-04 1969-03-11 Burroughs Corp Method for adjusting thin film resistors
US3564475A (en) * 1967-10-24 1971-02-16 Nippon Kogaku Kk Variable resistance element with multiple patterns for measuring instruments
US3594686A (en) * 1969-01-31 1971-07-20 Nippon Kogaku Kk Sliding-type variable resistor having thin film resistor layer comprising strap resistors

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2354808A (en) * 1942-09-23 1944-08-01 Ward Leonard Electric Co Rheostat
US2693023A (en) * 1950-06-20 1954-11-02 Painton & Co Ltd Electrical resistor and a method of making the same
US3111639A (en) * 1960-09-27 1963-11-19 Zeiss Ikon Ag Non-linear control potentiometer provided with a semi-conductive resistance layer
US3431640A (en) * 1966-03-04 1969-03-11 Burroughs Corp Method for adjusting thin film resistors
US3564475A (en) * 1967-10-24 1971-02-16 Nippon Kogaku Kk Variable resistance element with multiple patterns for measuring instruments
US3594686A (en) * 1969-01-31 1971-07-20 Nippon Kogaku Kk Sliding-type variable resistor having thin film resistor layer comprising strap resistors

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3921118A (en) * 1973-10-01 1975-11-18 Gen Electric Variable resistor assembly
US4537759A (en) * 1981-08-24 1985-08-27 Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. Production of elemental silicon from impure silane feed
EP0354448A2 (en) * 1988-08-11 1990-02-14 Brooktree Corporation Analog-to-digital converter
EP0354448A3 (en) * 1988-08-11 1992-12-09 Brooktree Corporation Analog-to-digital converter
US20030024747A1 (en) * 2001-07-31 2003-02-06 Takayuki Enomoto Weight sensor device
US6849808B2 (en) * 2001-07-31 2005-02-01 The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. Weight sensor device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2061788A1 (de) 1971-07-15
JPS4919899B1 (da) 1974-05-21

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Owner name: NIKON CORPORATION, 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYOD

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:NIPPON KOGAKU, K.K.;REEL/FRAME:004935/0584